Spoon & Tamago

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Collaged 3D Sculptures of Dogs by Akina Tokiyoshi

January 28, 2018 / Johnny / Comments Off

unless otherwise noted, all photos courtesy Guardian Garden gallery

There’s something endearing but also “off” about the dogs of Akina Tokiyoshi. Glitchy, perhaps, is the right word. As their beady eyes stare back, you feel like you’ve slipped in between a real and digital world; somewhere in the middle of here and there.

Indeed, Tokiyoshi, who graduated from Kyoto University of Art and Design in 2016, breathes life into her dogs in a peculiar process that’s simultaneously digital and analog: a mixed breed of craft and fine art.

Stuck in the Middle: A Bilingual, Multicultural Comic Series by Ru Kuwahata

January 25, 2018 / Johnny / 4 Comments

Ru Kuwahata is a Japanese animator based in the U.S. Along with Max Porter, she’s one half of the brilliant animation studio Tiny Inventions, which, most recently, were nominated for a 2018 Academy Award for their animated short film “Negative Space.” From 2011 – 2013, Kuwahata was an artist-in-residence in the Netherlands and during this time she created a humorous and insightful comic series that compares Dutch, Japanese and American cultures.

A Japanese Ryokan Powered by Nissan’s Autonomous Driving Technology

January 25, 2018 / Johnny / 1 Comment

In a bid to promote their autonomous driving technology, Nissan has launched a temporary pilot program in which they are deploying their autonomous driving technology (dubbed “ProPILOT”) into a Japanese ryokan in Hakone, a popular resort town just 1 hour from Tokyo.

Isaac Newton-Inspired Apple Kendama by Yasuhiro Suzuki

January 24, 2018 / Johnny / 2 Comments

It is perhaps one of the most famous anecdotes in the history of science. In 1666, a young Isaac Newton is sitting in his garden when an apple falls on his head. In a stroke of brilliant insight, he comes up with a theory of understanding gravitational force. Applying that anecdote to play is artist Yasuhiro Suzuki, who came up with the idea of replacing the ball of a kendama with an apple.

Illustrated Watercolor Portraits of Bespectacled Cats by Noryco

January 24, 2018 / Johnny / Comments Off

Japanese illustrator Noryco is many things but one of those things is a cat lover. And it shows in her work. Her portfolio is full of emblazoned cats, cherry blossom cats, working cats and even a section dedicated to cats inspired by Tim Burton. One of our favorites though are these simple but charming watercolors of different types of cats wearing different styles of eyewear.

From Exotic shorthairs in teardrop frames to a Bombay in a pair of styling Wellingtons, we’re here to give you your full fix of bespectacled felines.

9h Capsule Hotel Launches New Sauna Hotel

January 23, 2018 / Johnny / 1 Comment

all photos by Nacasa & Partners Inc. courtesy the architects

9h is stylish and futuristic take on Japan’s capsule hotels. Featuring tiny pods large enough for just 1 person to sleep, 9h has proven popular and has since grown to 6 different locations since launching in 2010. Now, they’re hoping to reach an even broader clientele by adding a sister brand ℃ (pronounced do-she) that offers sauna and accommodation.

Home Appliances in Full Bloom by Flower Artist Takayuki Tanaka

January 22, 2018 / Rachel Mimms / 1 Comment

Among the many different traditional Japanese arts, Japan’s special relationship with nature is perhaps best seen in ikebana, or flower arrangement. Taking this art form to new heights is “flower artist” Takayuki Tanaka and his floral design firm United Flowers, who collaborated with Tsutaya Electrics for their spring 2016 advertising campaign.

Realistic Miniature Animals Painted onto Found Stones by Akie Nakata

January 16, 2018 / Johnny / Comments Off

Nature has a funny way of imitating itself. Have you ever picked up a stone and thought it resembled an animal? Indeed, many of us probably have. But Akie Nakata takes that thought one, two and even three steps further by breathing a life and soul into the stones she finds.

Omoshiroi Block: A Memo Pad That Excavates Objects as it Gets Used

January 12, 2018 / Johnny / 4 Comments

excavate notable landscapes as you exhaust the Omoshiro Block note pad

Leave it to the stationery-loving Japanese to come up with a new way to enjoy writing notes. The Omoshiroi Block (loosely translated as ‘fun’ or ‘interesting’ block) utilizes laser-cutting technology to create what is, at first, just a seemingly normal square cube of paper note cards. But as the note cards get used, an object begins to appear. And you’ll have to exhaust the entire deck of cards to fully excavate the hidden object.

Yuni Yoshida’s Innovative Visuals for Comedian Naomi Watanabe

January 11, 2018 / Johnny / 1 Comment

Naomi Watanabe is huge in Japan. With 7.5 million Instagram followers, the comedian is a distant 1st; at least 2.5 million ahead of any of her Japanese Instagram peers. Appearing on TV, radio and in ads left and right, she’s often referred to as Japan’s top influencer. But behind every well-crafted image, as we’ve found, is a strong design team. And for Watanabe, she’s increasingly teaming up with art director Yuni Yoshida.